Urinary Tract Infections: Ayurvedic Management

Ayurveda, the science of life, originated 5000 years back in India. The main focus of Ayurveda is on establishing and maintaining the proper balance of three doshas (Life energies) within the body, rather than simply focusing on the individual symptoms. In the books of Ayurveda, such as Charka Samhitha, Susrutha Samhitha and Astanga Hridyam it was well explained about the Urinary Tract Infections under Mutruvaha Sroto Dusti Vikaras.

Accroding to the Conventional medical system, UTI is an infection of urinary tract. The origin of the channel begins at the kidneys, the bladder is the container, the ureters are the passageways, and the end or opening is the urethra. The infection in above mentioned parts is denoted as Urinary Tract Infection. This is mainly caused by microbes – which includes fungi, viruses and bacteria. Among these Bacteria are the most common causative organisms.

Generally, body’s self defence mechanism (immunity) regularly protects the body or urinary tract from micorbs. When the body’s immunity is low or when the bacteria or microbes overcome the body’s natural defence mechanism, then it turns as infection. Infection in urinary tract may be localised or generalised. Infection of urinary bladder is called as Cystitis, kidneys called as pyelonephritis etc.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, UTIs are due to an imbalance within ‘pitta dosha’. This is mainly dominated by the fire. Causative factors (Nidana) for the aggravation of ‘pitta dosha’ and contribute to UTIs are:

• Eating foods that are too hot, sour, or spicy.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Suppressing the urge to urinate. (Vega Dharana)
• Habitually retaining urine in the bladder for long periods of time.
• Exposure to extreme heat, and overexposure to sunlight.
• Emotions of anger, impatience, jealousy.
• Environmental factors such as working with fire, chemicals, or toxic fumes.
• Not drinking enough water

Conventional medicine, believes most of the UTI’s are caused by bacteria, so the management will by administrating bacteria fighting medication (antibiotics) and antimicrobials. The choice and length of the medication depend on the complaints and type of the invading pathogen or microbes.

Ayurvedic Treatment mainly includes root cause elimination. First understanding and removing the cause begins the healing process in Ayurveda. First we need to eliminate the all the factors above mentioned that are responsible for the UTI’s.

Ayurveda mainly recommends pitta pacifying diet, to eliminate the excessive heat to the body. Drink plenty of water or coconut water or pomegranate juice to flush the bacteria out of the urinary tract and to reduce the excess or imbalanced pitta in the body.

Avoid excess consumption of alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks and spicy food. Bacteria can flourish when conditions are warm and moist.

Here are a few tips to help you stay cool and dry:

• Empty bladder regularly.
• Try to avoid tight clothing and wear cool, loose fitting cotton underwear and clothing.
• Dry thoroughly after shower or bath. Change into dry clothes as soon as possible after swimming.
• Women should consider sanitary pads for their menstrual cycle, avoiding tampons.
• Meditation and pranayam will reduce excess stress and will keep you emotionally balanced.

There are Ayurvedic herbs and classical formulations which will help you to prevent and cure the recurrent UTI’s. The information provided is strictly education purpose only. If symptoms persist, please seek your health care provider help.

You may ask your personal query to Dr Kumar via Email drkumar@jeevahealth.com.au or by phone 0402 282 745/ 03 9440 5091 or 02 6156 0618 regarding any of your health problems. You will be offered authentic Ayurvedic information and an opinion, as to what best can be done pertaining to your ailment.